[EpicE90]

Well my old PC 7424 is on its last leg and about to die any day. I'm debating on which of these polishers to get because I know the XP is more powerful then the old model, but still doesn't have the FLEX power. I do detailing as a side job and Ive accomplished great results with my old porter cable however I do feel that if i got the flex not only would I be able to do a better job but also spend less time doing so. Key thing here is the Flex costs $300.00 and the PC with a host of Sonus pads and polishes on autotopia is only $199.99 . So is the price gap really worth it at the end of the day to take out pretty much basic swirling, minor surface scratches, light water etching , etc. Thanks in advance

[Gig103]

I think that might be one of those questions only you can answer. I debated the same thing for a while, before deciding that I'd rather spend the extra on pads and polishes.

To me, the only things I would need the added power from the Flex were using a purple wool foam pad, and/or correcting wetsanding. This might not be all of the uses, but for my daily drivers I determined the PC was enough power.

Now, all that said, I haven't even used mine yet!!

[fnckr]

I have the Flex and I'm a total amateur user. The Flex just seems to power through the polishing job with ease and so much quicker, but without risk of damage. Polishing my car is fun, but I don't want to spend the whole day doing multiple polishes to get the paint corrected. I'd say go for the Flex. In the long-run you'll be much happier with your ability to finish the job quicker.

[twinturboa51]

fgo with the flex!!! time is money.

[jopa489]

I was contemplating the same thing a while back when looking to upgrade my 7424. Was looking at the 7424XP or Flex, but ended up with the PCXP. I only detail my own and some friends/family cars, and the PCXP seemed to make more sense. With the right polish and pads, it can do a very good job. But the Flex is undoubtedly the more powerful and smoother machine.

[lopealle]

i say do whats in your budget

[turboawdfanatic]

what about the difference in pad choices? You're still limited to 6.5" pads with the flex right?
I've come to like 5.5" pads with my PC. Easier in tighter/smaller spots. And just recently picked up a backing plate for use with 3.5" spot buffs....which is REALLY nice for the bumper, pillars, etc... I'm not sure what I'll get when it comes time to replace my PC. If the Flex had optional backing plates, I def wouldn't mind spending the extra money.

[jopa489]

I really like the 5.5" and 4" pads on my the PCXP too. The 4" ones make tight spots and problem areas easy.

[EpicE90]

Thanks everybody for the helpful replys. The way I'm looking at it right now is the PC has more versatility then flex as far as price point , pads , backing plates etc. But plain and simple the flex is just a more powerful better machine which will make jobs quicker and the end result could be slightly better. I already have 6.5 inch pads but certainly could use a few more. I think I'd be happy with either machine to be honest but I think I'll feel more like a kid on a rewarding christmas morning when I open the Flex
box

[EpicE90]

Actually I just came to the realization that I'm not one of the elite detailers who works on the sheek of arabias car every month. I do more
regular washes and waxes vs full correcting details so it may be smarter for me to get the PC and get an Assload of sweet products